Be prepared for a winter storm by becoming familiar with the following safety tips.
Prepare Now
- Learn meaning of a "watch" and a "warning" in order to know the importance of storm reports.
- Have appropriate cold weather clothing.
- Have rock salt and sand for traction in ice.
- Equip vehicle with all season/snow tires; fill gas tank.
- Keep emergency auto kit readily accessible.
- Maintain sufficient heating fuel.
- Make sure heating systems/fireplaces function properly.
- Buy emergency heating equipment designed for indoor use.
- Winterize your home.
- Stock extra food and a jug for drinking water.
Act Now
- Stay indoors until storm ends.
- Listen to radio/television, Emergency Alert System for emergency information/instructions.
- Do not over-exert if shoveling snow.
- Wear warm, loose fitting, layered, light-weight, dry clothing.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Do not use charcoal or gas grills to cook/heat indoors (carbon monoxide hazard).
- If you are in a vehicle then stay on main roads.
- If necessary, pull off road, stay with vehicle, use hazard signals, bright distress flag.
- If trapped in blizzard, clear tail pipe, run engine/heater 10 minute each hour; open window slightly; maintain body heat (use map, seat cover, floor mat for insulation). If it is night then keep dome light on so work crews can see vehicle.